Domestic Violence Discussion Paper

Domestic violence is a complex problem that affects a significant number of people in our community. In 2015 alone there were more than eight thousand reported occasions of domestic violence in South Australia.

Victims of domestic violence access government and non-government services, they go to work and they come from a variety of backgrounds. Data tells us that victims of domestic violence are predominantly women and their children. 

The South Australian Government recognises gender inequality as a root cause of domestic violence. It is also recognised that Aboriginal women and girls are more likely to be victims of domestic violence than other women and girls in Australia.

Every member of our community can play a role in changing attitudes and breaking down the gender norms and stereotypes that lead to gender-based violence. 

Discussion Paper

The South Australian Government's  Domestic Violence Discussion Paper shines a light on the extent of domestic violence in our state and encourages the community to provide its views, to inform our future responses to this important issue. 

The Discussion Paper paints a picture of domestic violence in South Australia and the work we are currently doing to address it.

Eight topics for community consideration and discussion are also introduced, including potential changes to the way domestic violence is handled:

1. Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
   Who should be able to find out about someone’s history of domestic violence offending? How should this scheme work?


2.  Expiry Dates on Intervention Orders 
   Should intervention orders (previously restraining orders) be able to expire?


3. Comprehensive Collection of Data 
   What is the best way to ensure that accurate data relating to domestic violence is collected? 


4. Allowing Video Evidence 
   Should police video recordings from incidents be admissible as evidence at trial?


5. Confidentiality 
   Should changes be made to improve the confidentiality in court of medical and counselling records? 


6. Drug and Alcohol Treatment
   Should the courts send domestic violence offenders to be assessed for drug and alcohol problems?


7. Housing and Homelessness Service Priorities
   How can we best assist victims of domestic violence who are facing homelessness?  


8. Fostering Supportive Environments
   How can we assist domestic violence victims to seek support in the workplace and other environments?

DATA: You can explore the data from the Discussion Paper through an interactive online data visualisation tool. Explore the data relating to domestic violence
 

Find out more

• Download the eight page summary (PDF 259 KB)
• Download whole discussion paper (PDF 2.2MB)
• Download the section of the discussion paper most relevant to you: 
• Domestic Violence in South Australia (PDF 1.2MB)
  A summary of domestic violence offending, trends and data.
• Consultation Topics (PDF 5.2MB)
  Details about the seven topics that are currently open for community consultation.
• Current Initiatives (PDF 300KB)
  An overview of our current services and initiatives for domestic violence, including prevention of violence, provision of services, protection of victims and performance evaluation.